Charles Louis Strauss

Charles was born on the 11th of August 1957 in Atlanta, Georgia, where he attended Druid Hills High School. After obtaining an undergraduate degree from Emory University, he attended the University of Virginia Law School, graduating in 1982 as a Dillard Fellow and a member of Phi Beta Kappa. An avid soccer player, Charles played throughout college and law school, where he was known as one of the fiercest players on the field.

Upon graduation from law school, Charles moved to Houston and started a career in law at Fulbright & Jaworski LLP, which later became Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP. As a partner since 1991, Charles served on several committees, accumulated many professional achievements, and was regarded as an expert in the field of corporate mergers and acquisitions. After 31 years of service at Fulbright, Charles was hired by K&L Gates LLP as the founding partner of their Houston office.

Committed to serving others, Charles was active with numerous charitable organizations and received the President’s Volunteer Service Award and the Mayor’s Volunteer Houston Award. He found the most joy through his work with the Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana Chapter, granting wishes to children facing critical illnesses. He volunteered as a wish granter for many years, and went on to serve as a board member, legal advisor, and later, Chairman of the Board.

Charles was a man of deep faith, and ministered to the Lord through his membership at Chapelwood United Methodist Church. There he served on several committees, ushered on Sundays, helped with hurricane cleanup efforts throughout Texas, and traveled on mission trips twice to Kenya and San Salvador.

A devoted family man, Charles is survived by his wife of 35 years, Dorothy, children Lauren Hufford and her husband Trice, Charles Strauss, Jr. and his wife Ashley, grandchildren Connor Massey, Ellie Hufford, and Palmer Strauss, brothers Robert Strauss, Philip Strauss, and Matthew Strauss, and sister Joannie Strauss. He is preceded in death by his mother, Lilo Strauss and his father, Walter Strauss.

The most important thing in Charles’ life was his family and making sure all knew they were his top priority. He found much joy coaching his son’s sports teams, often working late into the night so that he could sneak away for practices and games. He was his happiest spending time with his grandchildren and never passed up an opportunity to entertain them. He will always be remembered for his generosity and selfless heart. Charles never met a stranger and was always able to brighten everyone’s day by cracking corny jokes.

The family would like to thank the devoted staff and caregivers at Silverado Hermann Park Memory Care Community and Silverado Hospice for the compassionate care Charles received as he progressed through his Alzheimer’s disease.

A celebration of Charles’ life is to be conducted at three o’clock in the afternoon on Monday, the 20th of November, in the sanctuary of Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay in Houston.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the nearby Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in his name be directed to the Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana Chapter, 12625 Southwest Freeway, Stafford, Texas 77477; to Silverado Hermann Park Memory Care Community, 5600 Chenevert, Houston, Texas 77004; or the charity of one’s choice.

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